as in bays
a part of a body of water that extends beyond the general shoreline
a secluded cove that smugglers once used
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of coves
Tucked below the luxe Montage Laguna Beach resort, the roughly 1,300-foot-long beach is known for its Caribbean-blue waters, tide pools, and rocky coves, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and leisurely exploration.
—
Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026
At their smallest, marine heat waves can inundate local bays and coves with hotter-than-normal water for a few days or weeks.
—Dillon Amaya, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
Women-only travel tour company Wild Terrains offers an eight-day Menorca group trip that takes travelers to the island’s secluded coves and cobblestone streets.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 June 2026
The trail leads to dreamy coves, dramatic cliffs, ancient archaeological sites and a lighthouse at the tip, with a sandstone ridge running down the core of the peninsula like a central spine.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
The route leads walkers to dreamy coves, dramatic cliffs, ancient archaeological sites and a lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
The sprawling hillside property looks like a screensaver, with verdant gardens, private sea-view villas, and two powdery coves—Punta Bunga and Banyugan.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Vinaròs, Costa del Azahar On the Costa del Azahar — the Orange Blossom Coast — Vinaròs is renowned for its beaches, coves and its red prawns.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 June 2026
Though Lake Austin runs about 20 miles, true private waterfront is limited by geography, existing ownership, public parkland, older roads, steep banks and protected coves.
—Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026
At their smallest, marine heat waves can inundate local bays and coves with hotter-than-normal water for a few days or weeks.
—Dillon Amaya, The Conversation, 12 June 2026
Women-only travel tour company Wild Terrains offers an eight-day Menorca group trip that takes travelers to the island’s secluded coves and cobblestone streets.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 June 2026
The trail leads to dreamy coves, dramatic cliffs, ancient archaeological sites and a lighthouse at the tip, with a sandstone ridge running down the core of the peninsula like a central spine.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
The route leads walkers to dreamy coves, dramatic cliffs, ancient archaeological sites and a lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
The sprawling hillside property looks like a screensaver, with verdant gardens, private sea-view villas, and two powdery coves—Punta Bunga and Banyugan.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Vinaròs, Costa del Azahar On the Costa del Azahar — the Orange Blossom Coast — Vinaròs is renowned for its beaches, coves and its red prawns.
—Jamie Carter, Space.com, 2 June 2026
Though Lake Austin runs about 20 miles, true private waterfront is limited by geography, existing ownership, public parkland, older roads, steep banks and protected coves.
—Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coves
Noun
-
The Board of Public Works approved the grant on Thursday, which will be used to reduce pollution attributed to failed sewer systems located near the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal bays.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
In the spring that means shallower bays where the water is warmer.—
Alex Robinson,
Outdoor Life,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria, naturally occur in inland waters, estuaries and the sea.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
18 June 2026
-
Crocodiles are more tolerant of saltwater than alligators and are commonly found in mangrove habitats, bays and estuaries in South Florida.—
Sergio Candido,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coves. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
